Where to go

Where can I get a marriage license?

North Dakota marriage licenses are issued on the county level, at the County Recorder Office, by the County Recorder.

Where can I use it once I get it?

Your marriage license can be used throughout the state, regardless of which County Recorder Office you get it from.

Your license is only valid within the borders of North Dakota. For instance, you can't get a marriage license from the neighboring state of Montana, then use it here—and vice versa.

Costs

How much is a marriage license in North Dakota?

A marriage license costs exactly $65.00 USD. This price is established by state law and doesn't change no matter where you buy your license.

I've changed my mind; can I get my money back?

County Recorder Offices will not issue refunds for unused marriage licenses.

Attendance

Must we both be present when applying?

Both parties to the marriage must appear together when applying for a marriage license.

Waiting periods

Is there a waiting period to get a marriage license?

There is no waiting period to get a North Dakota marriage license. You'll get your license the same day you apply for it.

How soon can I get married after getting a license?

You can get married immediately after you receive your marriage license. There is no post-issuance waiting period to abide by before you can have your marriage ceremony.

Expiration dates

When will my marriage license expire?

Your North Dakota marriage license will expire 60 days after it's been issued. If you don't get married before time runs out, you'll have to start over and apply for a brand new license.

I need more time; can I get an extension on my license?

Extensions are not provided for expired (or near expiring) marriage licenses. If your license completely expires you must reapply and repay the same $65.00 application fee, wherein you'll be given 60 more days.

Residency requirements

What are the rules for residents and non-residents?

There are multiple residency rules, only of which some may apply to you. They are as follows.

Residency rule 1

If one of you is a resident of North Dakota, you can apply for a marriage license anywhere in the state. You can then get married anywhere within the state.

Residency rule 2

If neither of you are residents of North Dakota, you must apply for a marriage license in the county where the marriage will take place. Your marriage ceremony must be held in the same county where you applied for your marriage license.

Age requirements

How old must I be to get married?

You must be 18 years old (or above) to get married in North Dakota without parental consent.

16 to 17 years old

You must obtain the consent of both parents or legal guardians. It's not sufficient if only one parent/guardian acquiesces—both must agree.

15 years old and below

A person who is 15 years old, or below, cannot be issued a marriage license and may not marry.

Identification requirements

What forms of ID must I bring?

There are multiple types of identification to consider bringing when applying for a marriage license at your local County Recorder Office. They are as follows:

Provide the following:

Name Change

How do I go about changing my name due to marriage?

Undergoing a marriage-related name change in the state of North Dakota (or any other state) involves notifying various government and non-government institutions. You'll typically start with updating your Social Security Card, driver's license, passport, and other federal/state/non-governmental institutions.

Keep in mind, your name does not automatically and legally change just because you get married or obtain a marriage license or marriage certificate; you must go through the steps of updating your identification documents, whether it's through an online name change service, or contacting the SSA, State Dept. and ND DOT directly.

Blood Tests

Am I required to get a blood test?

No, North Dakota does not require you, nor your partner, to get a blood test as a condition for getting a marriage license.

Divorced

What if I've been previously divorced?

If you've been previously divorced, or have had an annulment or dissolution, there are extra bits of information that you must provide the County Recorder when applying.

For all previous divorces, annulments, and dissolutions, provide the following:

Things you must bring

You will need to provide a copy of your divorce decree (aka divorce certificate). It must be an original or certified copy—not a photocopy. Your divorce decree will not be returned to you, as it must be permanently stored by the County Recorder Office, once submitted.

What if I'm separated from my spouse, but not yet divorced?

North Dakota law forbids a marriage license be granted to anyone who is currently married or separated from their spouse. You must have your divorce finalized, or marriage annulled, before getting married again.

Widowed

What if I'm currently a widow or widower?

If your previous marriage left you as a widow or widower, the County Recorder Office will need to solicit basic information regarding the death of your spouse.

Things you must bring

You must bring a plain copy of the death certificate for review. The County Recorder will hand the death certificate back to you once it's been looked over.

Witnesses

Are witnesses required to attend my marriage ceremony?

North Dakota statutes require at least two (2) witnesses be present at your marriage ceremony.

Whomever officiates your marriage must log the contact information (typically name and address) and signature of each witness.